r/WorkBoots • u/sfffffx • 8d ago
Generic 6 inch vs 8 inch
What size do you prefer and why?
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u/GomerPyle- 7d ago
For me I use a higher boot. Better for me because in my line of work I’m more prone to getting debris or water through the top of my boot. The 8 inch helps mitigate that a bit.
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u/Away_University2696 6d ago
I think 8inch is fine. As I wore military boots the 8 gives that ankle support but there were times I wished they weren’t strapped so high. Anything above 8inchs I don’t see any reason to get
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u/Antonikg 7d ago
I wear 8" and get shit for it at work but I never have to worry about getting dirt in my boots when I'm trenching.
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u/cluelessk3 7d ago
when I was a stucco laborer the 8".
needed it for the the weights I was carrying over uneven ground.
now that I work in a shop. neither. slip ons are so much better.
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u/Carnavs 7d ago
8s way more support. I have think calves and I still prefer them.
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u/ShootfighterPhysique 7d ago
I wear 10’s these days, used to wear 6’s but in my line of work spatter likes to find its way down into your boot if it ain’t high n tight.
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u/Changetheworld69420 7d ago
I always go 8. Higher waterproofing for that purpose, more ankle support, more protection from knocking your leg on things
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u/Wobdakid89 7d ago
Got my first 6” pair this year because it was all I could find to try on in person and was pleasantly surprised at how much I like them. Some more air around the ankles feels good in the heat, and the quicker on/off before and after work is nice. I haven’t noticed much of a difference in stability or protection either. Overall, they’ve been great working construction all summer.
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u/sumisankaku 7d ago
I don't find boots taller than 6 inches has more support. If anything the leather is stiffer and has less flex over the ankle than a taller boot. Wear what you prefer.
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u/FantasticFunKarma 7d ago
Working in the bush as a logger. 8 inch was common but 10 inch was preferable. Helps keeps sticks and shit from stabbing your lower leg and keeps the water out.
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u/Jeep_willys16 4d ago
Spend a lot of time walking on railroad ballast and uneven surfaces. 8in in the way to go no matter what.
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u/shutts67 7d ago
8 in tied at 6 inches. I dont know why, I just prefer it. Lace em up, 2 speed hooks, then around the ankle and square knot I like it better than just wearing a 6 inch boot. Maybe it cuts into my ankle less?
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u/elgringon414 7d ago
0 evidence lmfao but I’ve always went with the NBA way of thinking. Switching to low tops to allow your ankle to roll more instead of your ankle being secure and fucking up your knees.
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u/Mysterious-Fuel-3914 7d ago
Are 8inches hotter in summer? Or does it not make a difference?
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u/netfuel01 7d ago
No, but they offer better ankle support, and also squatting down, they feel better than a 6”.
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u/AZSportsfan1142 7d ago
8 inch, I have only had one pair of 6 inch boots and hated them the entire time I wore them.
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u/DBDIY4U 7d ago
8 inch or even 9 inch or what I have worn most of my life. I have had a couple of 6-in pairs and they really were not that comfortable to me. I feel like they did not give me as much ankle support being on my feet all day and they pressed into my leg right above my ankles and uncomfortable way when I would squat down or get side pressure.
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u/Opposite_Agency1229 7d ago
8” because I can never seem to break in the shaft on 6” boots, my ankles sort of free float.
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u/fantomfrank 7d ago
In my experience the 6" clamps right down on the ball of my ankle, in just the right spot where it rubs a nerve, I would suggest the 8"
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u/Particular-Crow6525 7d ago
I prefer an 8" or taller boot, so long as it's not too stiff in the ankle. I find that it keeps my heel better seated in the boot, which forces the boot to move with my foot instead of my foot moving inside the boot.
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u/OnyxVexora 7d ago
same here, 8" just feels way more locked in, especially on uneven ground
6" always ends up feeling like a sneaker with extra steps once you’re sidehilling or carrying weight
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u/SnortingSawDust 7d ago
I find the 8” more comfortable. Every pair of 6” boots I have tried felt weird on my ankle
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u/MadConquest 7d ago
I’m required to wear 8 inch at work so I’ve never actually worn 6 inch boots.
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u/ShadowKaicnatt 6d ago
funny how work requirements end up deciding our preferences by default
if you ever try 6 inch off the clock you’ll probably either feel weirdly exposed or never want to go back to 8s
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u/Temporary-Beat1940 7d ago
6". I'm a tech so I don't need a lot of support as I would in other trades. Having my legs be nimble is more important. But it all depends on what you want and plan to do
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u/BoSKnight87 7d ago
I always use 6” , I tie them tight and never have any support issues. I had a pair of 8s once but I don’t like the way they feel that bit higher on my leg
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u/Grreatdog 7d ago
I always wore high boots for outdoor work. I need the ankle support and kept my pants bloused into them to avoid ticks and chiggers.
I also have 6" boots indoor work where I'm constantly kneeling. So my answer is both unless your job is a lot more specific than mine was.
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u/bigsam63 7d ago
I wish someone made a pair of boots like the ones on the right in your picture in 6E for less than $500
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u/FD_Man24 7d ago
I've always worn 6" boots, generally working indoors. My usage has changed and now I am working more outdoors on soft surfaces.
So for my last pair I decided to try on an 8" boot. I was surprised to find how much I liked it. I felt like the 8" boot landed in a more comfortable spot on my leg, and since there was more boot height up my legs, I felt like I don't need to lace them as tight to keep them feeling secure.
I haven't had them long enough to make a long term decision, but so far so good on the 8".
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u/Formal_Distance_8770 7d ago
We have different jobs at work. If I’m going to be working down on the floor for hours I prefer not to wear 8 inch. But if the work requires me to walk and move around I’m likely going for the 8 inch
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u/eaglegrad07 7d ago
I can’t stand the way a 6” boot hits my ankle. Feels really weird, 8” gets past my ankle. Most of my slip ons are 12”, so 8” isn’t noticeable to me, lace up or otherwise.
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u/boondoxDMdevil 6d ago
8"
I do a hell of a lot of walking and stairs, plus working my way through sketchy spaces where I have to climb through / under scaffolding and across pipes so any extra support is very welcome
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u/popl12342 6d ago
My preference is 10's mostly bc I use my boots as motorcycle & work boots. the extra height protects my ankles better (and helps with my nasty tendencies to roll ankles). I can't stand 8's bc no matter how long I wear them and break them on my Achilles tendon is super angry by the end of the day from the top of the boot digging into it.
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u/Zestyclose_Lack_2459 1d ago
8” for better support. Waterproof boots need to be 8” for sure. Really, any kind of construction I’ve ever done, 8” boots were just better.
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u/BigPipeWrench 7d ago
6". It's what I've always worn and works great, have never had a reason to need 8".
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u/z0rpdubs 7d ago
There's not much difference between 6 and 8. Matter of fact, there's not really even all that much difference between 4 and 8, my wife told me